George Patton is reputed to have said ‘A good strategy today is far better than a perfect one tomorrow.’
This is absolutely correct. However, any strategy is only as good as its deployment. This is always best when it is clearly understood, consistently communication, and completely aligned towards the objective.
Business is all about making choices, from the c-suite to the factory floor, everyone is faced with choices. Those in the c-suite may be different to those on the floor, but they are nevertheless choices that together impact on the performance of the business.
‘I will do this, I will not do that’
While seeking rhythm and flow in a business, I also look for ‘strategic nesting’
How will the choices made at one level be understood and acted on at different levels in the business in a consistent manner, such that the outcomes do not create turbulence in the flow of activities that occurs.
The challenge of integrating ‘Flow’ into a smooth set of processes that merge at the points where they intersect is substantial. This is where the notion of ‘nesting’ comes into play.
Processes are ‘nested’ in sets of sub processes that are all ‘in synch’ and contribute to the end outcome.
Often this is called alignment, but just using the term without the further idea of ‘nesting’ misses the point. Alignment is one dimensional, nesting is multidimensional.
Effective processes contain sub processes that act in partnership creating synergy, and when done really well, compounding outcomes. Each part of the ‘nest’ is optimized, internally, and in relation to those external parts on which it depends. This enables the optimization of the whole to be compounded.
Effective processes, from the strategic development and implementation to the cleaning of the coffee machine, rely on the effective nesting of sub processes.
The implementation of strategy is always challenging. You are translating high level choices into sets of cascading targets in functional action plans with appropriate KPI’s and feedback loops for optimisation. There are multiple levels from a strategic plan to the execution of daily activities in the workplace for things to fall out of the nest.
The evolution of a ‘happy nest’ is an iterative process. It requires the input of those involved at all levels, and a leadership capable and prepared to adjust choices under new circumstances.
All the parts are moving at the same time, and they all influence each other. Iteration must be a multi-dimensional challenge, you can iterate up, down, and across functions, on the basis of feedback. The challenge is to get it all done without disturbing the flow of the processes.
